Instructions to guide you in the prayerful practice of silence and solitude meditating on John 11:1-44.
Preparation:
IMPORTANT: Look over the introduction and read these instructions in their entirety before you begin. Read the text from a paper Bible, not your phone. Try to make sure you have at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is ok! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer, it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
Context:
The fifth “I Am” saying is in John 11, where Jesus’ actions solidify in the heart of the religious leaders his need to be permanently stoped. Jesus is requested to come to the aid of a friend, a trip that his disciples know will be costly—for him and themselves. Rightly, Jesus’ friends ask for his help in a time of need. To their dismay, the request is seemingly denied, and what was a lousy situation gives way to the worst possible outcome. In her frustration, Jesus meets one friend with an invitation into belief beyond mere cognitive affirmation. In her grief, Jesus meets another friend by sharing her pain and loss. The frustrated friend tries to keep Jesus at a distance from her hurt. The sad friend takes him to the place of their shared sorrow. Both witness the source of their emotional states raised from death and given new life.
Practice:
READ
With this background, read John 11:1-44.
Now that you are familiar with the context, and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today.
If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, immersing yourself in the encounter with Jesus. Remember that those who lived through this experience felt very much as you would if you had been in their place. As you read, listen for:
A word or phrase or a detail in the story that stands out to you.
Where you find yourself in the passage: as a worried and wondering disciple, the right-believing but frustrated Martha, the justifiably sorrowful Mary, a curious friend, or speculative Pharisee?
In either case, do not choose this yourself, let the Spirit bring it to you.
REFLECT
As you reflect on the passage, consider one of the following:
The word or phrase that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
Who you found yourself to be in the passage. How does it feel to be this person? What draws you into the encounter? What are you thinking or feeling about Jesus?
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How does this connect with my life today? What do I need to feel, to know, or be or do?”
RESPOND
Read the passage in John 11 one last time, preparing yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or ask God for something. Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST
Do as you are led for the last 3 minutes. You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus. You may want to pay attention to God, pondering especially: how did Jesus seem in the passage to his disciples, his friends, the community, the religious leaders, etc.? What about Jesus makes you want to worship him, or at least be with him? Sit in the companionship of Jesus—the resurrection and the life that brings something glorious out of the darkest experiences and emotions.